Vehicle washing machine

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a washing apparatus suited for use in washing outside surfaces of vehicles. Fluid is conducted along a conduit that is mounted to a support structure so as to permit selected displacements thereof along a longitudinal axis of the conduit and selected rotations thereof about the longitudinal axis. The fluid conducted through the conduit can be conducted through at least one of a plurality of nozzles that are mounted to the conduit. The conduit is selectively reciprocated along the longitudinal axis by a first driving device. In addition, the conduit is rotated about the longitudinal axis by a second driving device. As the conduit is displaced both about and along the longitudinal axis, the fluid forced through the nozzle is directed toward the outside surface of an object to be washed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a vehicle washing apparatus and, moreparticularly, to an apparatus having movable spray heads for washing astationary vehicle.

Washing apparatus having movable spray heads rather than brushes hasbeen proposed for washing the outer surfaces of vehicles. This type ofwashing apparatus has been better suited for removing dirt build-up inintricate vehicle recesses where equipment employing brushes isrelatively ineffective. What might be called "brushless" car washes haveheretofore been proposed, but cannot be considered high speed car washesfor reasons like those in the example following.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,113 to Hodge shows a pair of side sprayers with eachside sprayer having a double row of nozzles in spaced relationship alongthe linear length of the sprayer which parallels the length of a vehicleto be washed. Similarly, a top sprayer is equipped with a dual row ofspray nozzles in a spaced relationship along the linear length of thesprayer array. Each sprayer is equipped with elements for oscillatingthe sprayer in a direction transverse to the linear length thereof. Thevehicle undergoing a wash is moved along the length of the sprayer pastthe oscillating nozzles.

There is a present need for faster methods of washing vehicles,particularly for vehicle washing apparatus such as that shown in Hodgewhere the minimum wash time is at least the amount of time required tomove the entire vehicle linearly past the oscillating sprayers. Inaddition, it is desirable that the number of moving parts be minimizedthereby reducing maintenance costs. In addition to reducing the washtime, there is also a need for vehicle washing machine that efficientlyutilizes water. Greater water efficiency allows vehicles to be washedwith less water thereby reducing operating costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a washing apparatus suited for use in washingoutside surfaces of vehicles. The washing apparatus has a support with afirst conduit mounted thereon. The first conduit is capable ofconducting a fluid therealong, and is elongated along a longitudinalaxis for a selected length. The first conduit is mounted on the supportso as to permit both selected displacements thereof along saidlongitudinal axis and selected rotations thereof about the longitudinalaxis.

Mounted on the first conduit is a plurality of nozzles. Fluid conductedthrough the first conduit can be conducted through at least one of thenozzles. The first conduit can be selectively reciprocated along thelongitudinal axis by a first drive. The first conduit is reciprocatedalong the longitudinal axis between selected positions separated by alength less than the length of the first conduit. The first conduit isreciprocated through selected angular displacements about thelongitudinal axis by a second drive. The first conduit can be displacedboth about and along the longitudinal axis such that a fluid forcedthrough the nozzle will be directed through a selected portion of aselected plane through which such a fluid passes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of the washing apparatus of the presentinvention,

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the washing apparatus of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the washing apparatus taken generallyalong lines 3--3 in FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a high pressure rotationallyoscillating wash pipe shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of the high pressure wash pipe shown inFIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a greatly enlarged detail view shown in partially broken awaycross section, the joint between two high pressure stages, and furthershowing details of a double nozzle arrangement,

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the double nozzle shown in FIGS. 4,5 and 6,

FIG. 8 is a side elevational of a non-rotationally oscillated lowpressure wash pipe shown in FIG. 1,

FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrammatic schematic diagrams of the wash pipefluid supply apparatus of the present invention,

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic schematic diagram of the fluid mixingoperation that is performed by the washing apparatus of the presentinvention,

FIG. 12 is a logic flow diagram representing the control panel functionsimplemented by a controller in the washing apparatus of the presentinvention, and

FIG. 13 is a pictorial view of the drying apparatus of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, washing apparatus, 10, constructed in accordancewith the present invention, includes a support structure, 12, having areciprocating wash carriage, 14, mounted thereon. As wash carriage 14reciprocates linearly on support structure 12, a series of rotating washpipes, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26, mounted thereon oscillate so as todirect pressurized streams of cleansing liquid. Wash pipes 28, 29, 30and 31 are mounted to wash carriage 14 and do not oscillate.

Support structure 12 includes two stationary, square cornered arches, 32and 34, spaced apart and aligned parallel to each other. Each of thesquare cornered arches 32 and 34 include a pair of vertical beammembers, 36 and 38, and 40 and 42, respectively, with each pair ofvertical beam members having two parallel overhead beam members, 44 and46, respectively attached thereto. Overhead beams 44,46 of the first andsecond arches 32 and 34 are connected by two parallel overheadtransverse brace members, 48 and 50. Arches 32, 34 and brace members48,50 are hollow beam structures having a square cross section and madeform a non-corrosive yet strong material such as aluminum or any othermaterial known to have such properties. Arch members 36, 38, 40, 42 andoverhead beam members 44,46 are secured together with fasteners such asscrews or bolts and fastening brackets where necessary. Each of thevertical beam members 36, 38, 40 and 42 of support structure 12 hasL-shaped brackets, 54, 56, attached thereto for securing supportstructure 12 to a concrete floor and thus preventing excessivevibration.

Wash carriage 14 includes a first and second slidable beam member, 60and 62, respectively, supported by each of the overhead beam members 44and 46 of support structure 12. Slidable beam members 60 and 62 arespaced apart and each beam orientated transverse to a longitudinal axisdefined by overhead beam members 44 and 46. At each end of slidable beammembers 60 and 62 there extends a vertical beam member directly adjacentto overhead beam members 44 and 46, these vertical beam members beingdesignated 64, 66, 68 and 70. Each pair of vertical beam members 64, 66,and 68, 70, have longitudinal brace members 76 and 78, respectively 77,attached therebetween. Transverse brace members 77, 79 extend betweenvertical beam member pairs 64,68 and 68,70, and are attached thereto.

Attached to wash carriage 14 are three elongate, rectangular spray pipesupport frames, 80, 82 and 84. Each of these spray pipe support framesinclude a pair of beams, 86 and 88, 90 and 92, and 94 and 96,respectively, extending the full length of support structure 12 andhaving end beam members 98 and 100, 102 and 104, and 106 and 108,attached thereto, respectively. Spray pipe support frames 80 and 82 areeach attached to vertical beam members 64,66 and 68,70, respectively, ofwash carriage 14. Beam pairs 86 and 88 and 92 and 90 of spray pipesupport frames 80 and 82, respectively, each are aligned transverse tothe vertical beam member pairs 64 and 66 and 68 and 70, and are fastenedtogether by a suitable fastening means such as bolts, 52. Rectangularspray frame 84, having each of elongate beam members 94 and 96 alignedlongitudinally, is fixedly attached by fastening means such as bolts 52to each of transverse brace members 77 and 79 of wash carriage 14.

An air cylinder, 110, including a plunger, 112, and hydraulic controlhoses (not shown), is fixedly attached to a brace member, 114. Bracemember 114 is attached to overhead beam members 44 and 46 of supportstructure 12. Plunger 112 is attached to the second slidable beam member62 of wash carriage 14. Air cylinder 110 is capable of driving plunger112 from the cylinder, as seen in FIG. 2. As plunger 112 extends andretracts from and to the air cylinder 110, wash carriage 14 moves backand forth on support structure 12. Sensor means, 116 and 117, arecapable of detecting the position of wash carriage 14, and may be amicroswitch, proximity switch, electric eye or other such sensing deviceknown in the art. The sensor means 116 and 117 signals a control means,such as a programmable controller or microprocessor (not shown), tocontrol the hydraulic solenoid switches (not shown) thereby controllingthe direction of plunger 112 within the dual acting air cylinder 110.

The air cylinder 110 may also have some control functions and sensormeans 116 and 117 incorporated therein. For this type of ram, thesolenoid switches are controlled by the ram thereby automaticallychanging direction when either fully extended or fully retracted. Inaddition, a hydraulic ram can be implemented instead of air cylinder110.

Wash carriage 14 is reciprocated linearly along the longitudinal axisand supported by overhead beam members 44 and 46 of the supportstructure 12. A bearing means is used to help facilitate movement ofwash carriage 14 over support structure 12. The bearing means mayinclude rollers or blocks made out of plastic or ultra-high molecularweight polyethylene (UHMW) or some other such material having similarproperties. Blocks, 118, 120, 122 and 124, made of UHMW, are mountedbetween first and second slidable beam members 60 and 62, respectively,to provide a bearing means so as to reduce friction, wear and noise aswash carriage 14 moves on support structure 12. Roller brackets havingrollers attached, 126, 128, 130 (not shown) and 132, (not shown) areattached to the first and the second slidable beam members 60 and 62,respectively, and prevent wash carriage from twisting during thelongitudinal excursions back and forth on support structure 12.

Each of lower spray pipe support frames 80 and 82 have lower guidebrackets, 138 and 140, 142 (one guide bracket not shown), respectively,to keep wash carriage 14 moving parallel to the longitudinal axis. Lowerguide brackets each having a pair of rollers attached thereto 138, 140,142, (one bracket not shown) are mounted to vertical beam members 36,38, 40 and 42 of support structure 12. These lower guide brackets tendto support the lower spray pipe support frames 80 and 82. In addition,each guide bracket has two rollers spaced apart to accommodate therespective spray pipe support frame. Because these rollers are mountedon either side of the spray pipe support frame, these rollers tend toprevent the spray pipe support frames from twisting as they reciprocateback and forth with wash carriage 14 on support structure 12.

As seen in FIG. 2, wash carriage 14 reciprocates linearly on supportstructure 12 between a position, 148, where air cylinder 110 is fullyextended and a position, 150, where air cylinder 110 is fully retracted.In one preferred embodiment, the wash carriage 14 is reciprocated onsupport structure 12 at a rate of eight inches per second. Rates ofmovement faster than eight inches per second produce more wear and tearon all engagement surfaces and the hydraulic cylinder in addition toproducing more noise.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the equipment on the right side of thelongitudinal axis is preferably the mirror image of that on the left;and for that reason just the structure at the right side of the washingapparatus of FIG. 3 will be described in greater detail.

A motor means, 200, is mounted to a motor support structure, 202. Themotor support structure 202 includes a pair of square cornered archmembers, 204 and 206. Each of the square cornered arch members areattached to each of the spray pipe support frames 80, 82 and 84.

The rotating wash pipes 16, 18 and 20, located on the right side ofwashing apparatus 10, are mounted to the square cornered arch members204 and 206 by radial block bearings, 208, 209 and 210, respectively.Each radial block bearing 208, 209, and 210 are preferably formed from afirst grooved block member and a second grooved block member that areplaced together such that the grooves are arranged coaxially with aspray pipe therebetween. Both the first grooved block member and thesecond grooved block member are bolted to a mounting member in such amanner that the spray pipe is supported by each of the block members andyet the spray pipe can be easily rotated. The radial block bearings arepreferably made from materials such as plastic or UHMW, or any othermaterial known to those skilled in the art to have similar properties.

Rotating wash pipes 16, 18 and 20 are oscillated by a right sideoscillating apparatus that includes tie rods 212, 214, 216 and 218,pivot means 220, 222, 224 and 226, and crank 228. Crank 228 is connectedto motor means 200 and tie rod 212. Tie rod 212 is connected to one endof pivot 220 with the other end connected to tie rod 214. Tie rod 214 isconnected to one end of pivot 222 with the other end connected to tierod 216. Tie rod 216 is connected to pivot 224 together with tie rod218. Tie rod 218 is also connected to pivot 226. Pivot 220 is fixedlyattached to rotating wash pipe 20. Similarly, pivot 224 is fixedlyattached to rotating wash pipe 18, and pivot 226 is fixedly attached torotating wash pipe 16. Therefore, rotating wash pipes 16, 18 and 20rotate or pivot together with pivot 226, 224 and 220, respectively.Crank 228 is attached to the shaft of motor means 200 and thereforerotates with motor shaft 200, thereby converting the rotational motionof the motor shaft to linear motion of the crank. The linear motion ofcrank 228 is transferred to pivot 20 by tie rod 212. In a similarmanner, the linear motion of pivot 220 is transferred to pivot 222,pivot 224 and pivot 226 by tie rods 214, 216 and 218, respectively. Thelinear motion of either end of the pivot causes each of the pivots torotate the respective wash pipe attached thereto. In this manner, washpipes 16, 18 and 20 are rotationally oscillated. In a similar manner,wash pipes 22, 24 and 26 have an oscillating apparatus that is themirror image of the oscillating apparatus previously described that isused to rotationally oscillate wash pipes 22, 24 and 26.

In one preferred embodiment, motor means 200 is a one horsepowerelectric gear motor that produces a motor shaft rotation rate of 158rpm. In one preferred embodiment, the tie rods and pivot means are eachmade of aluminum bar stock. The tie rods are connected to the pivotmeans by placing a nylon insert into a bore passing through both thepivot means and the tie rod. A stainless steel pin is then placedthrough the nylon insert to as to extend on either side of the nyloninsert. Lock rings are then placed on either end of the stainless steelpin thereby preventing the stainless steel pin from falling out.

Rotating wash pipes 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 are all identical highpressure pipes. Wash pipes 29 and 30 are identical to each other, thesepipes and are used for applying a foam wax. Wash pipes 28 and 31 areidentical to each other and are used for applying a foam pre-soak. Fixedpipes 228, 230, 232 and 234 are mounted to the stationary supportstructure 12 and therefore neither rotate nor reciprocate. Wash pipes228 and 232 are used to provide the rocker panel spray. Wash pipes 230and 234 are used to provide the tire cleaner. Wash pipe 236 is mountedon floor 58 to provide the under body wash. Wash pipe 236 is mounted ina protective channel 238 to prevent the pipe from being damaged by thevehicle.

Lighting means 240, 242, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254 and 256 are mounted tolight the way into the wash and provide information as to the progressof the wash. In one preferred embodiment, the lighting means is a 24 vtape light with bulbs mounted on four inch spacings.

Seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 is the rotating wash pipe 16 that is used forproviding high pressure fluid streams. The wash pipe 16 is identical towash pipes 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 which are also used for high pressurefluid application. Spray pipe 16 is in three separate sections orstages. A first stage 300 is arranged so as to be directed toward theback of the vehicle. A second stage 302 and a third stage 304 that isarranged so as to be directed toward the front or windshield portion ofthe vehicle to be washed. The ends of wash pipe 16 are threaded toreceive threaded plugs 306 and 308 at either end. The ends opposite thethreaded plugs 306 and 308 in the first stage 300 and the third stage304, respectively, are threaded as are both ends of second stage 302. Afirst pipe coupler 310 securely fastens first stage 300 to the secondstage 302 while a second pipe coupler 312 securely fastens second stage302 to third stage 304. The ends of first stage 300 and second stage302, held together by coupler 310, have pipe plugs 314 and 316 insertedtherein, respectively. Pipe plugs 314 and 316 are each Welded into theirrespective ends of first stage 300 and second stage 302, respectively.In a similar manner, the ends of second stage 302 and third stage 304,held together by pipe coupler 312, are also plugged and welded.

Fluid is provided to the first stage 300, the second stage 302, and thethird stage 304 by feed hoses 318, 320 and 322, respectively. Each ofthe feed hoses is connected to the respective stage of wash pipe 16 by athree-quarter inch aluminum pipe couple that is welded into a borethereby forming a T. Fluid exits high pressure water pipe 16 through aseries of nozzles distributed along high pressure pipe 16 along a linethat is 180° about the circumference of the pipe from the line formed byfeed hose connections 318, 320 and 322.

Each stage of high pressure pipe 16 has eight stainless steel nozzlesfor directing the flow of fluid passing therefrom. Single nozzles 324,326, 328, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, 340 and 342 are each screwed intothreaded bores on high pressure wash pipe 16. Each of these singlenozzles is a straight nozzle and directs fluid in a directionperpendicular to high pressure wash pipe 16. Single nozzle 326 ispositioned so that an angle formed between the nozzle and the portion ofhigh pressure wash pipe 16 on the back side of the nozzle is 20°.

Double nozzles 344, 346, 348, 350, 352, 354 and 356 are mounted to highpressure wash pipe 16. In one preferred embodiment as seen in FIG. 7,each double nozzle is formed by threading a brass T 358 into a threadedbore on high pressure wash pipe 16 with an orientation such that theupper portion of the T 358 forms a cylinder that is perpendicular tohigh pressure wash pipe 16. At each end of the cylinder portion of the T358, each of a pair of brass 90° elbows, 360 and 362, is threadedtherein. Stainless steel nozzles 364 and 366 are threaded into each ofthe brass elbows. Double nozzles 344 and 346 are arranged with thenozzles parallel to single nozzle 326. Double nozzles 348, 350, 352, 354and 356 are each arranged to direct a spray in a direction that forms anangle between a line passing through the spray nozzle and anintersecting line that is parallel to high pressure spray pipe 16 thatis equal to 20°. In this manner, double nozzles 348, 350, 352, 354 and356 are each directed generally toward the front of the vehicle to bewashed.

High pressure spray pipe 16 is preferably aluminum pipe having one inchinside diameter. Each of the nozzles are preferably made of stainlesssteel and have spray angles of 0° and 15°. The 0° spray angle nozzlesare mounted on the first stage 300 and third stage 304. The 15° sprayangle nozzles are mounted on the second stage 302. In one preferredembodiment, both the 0° and 15° spray angle nozzles are manufactured bySpraying Systems, Inc., and are part number Washjet 0002 and 0502,respectively. The high pressure wash pipes are preferably 19 feet longwith the first stage 300 being four feet, nine inches in length, thesecond stage 302 being eleven feet in length and the third stage 304being three feet, three inches in length. The length of high pressurewash pipe 16 and the nozzle angle arrangement is to accommodate anautomobile of 20 feet or less in length and seven feet six inches orless in width. Vehicles longer than 20 feet can also be washed, but willnot be cleaned as thoroughly. The nozzle arrangement, nozzle angle andspray pipe length together with the 36 inch linear motion of wash pipe16 during the reciprocation of wash carriage 14 provide spray coveragefor a typical automobile that is 16 feet in length and eight feet wide.The reciprocation of wash carriage 14 together with the oscillationmotion of the high pressure pipes 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 allows spraycoverage of the entire vehicle in the time it takes the wash carriage 14to move the reciprocation length of 36 inches. Therefore, a wash cycleis accomplished in a short amount of time because of the reciprocationrate and the relatively short reciprocation length.

As seen in FIG. 8, wash pipe 230 is a tube having a threaded plug 368 atone end and a brass pipe elbow 372 threaded into the other end. Washpipe 230, which is used to apply the tire cleaner, is identical to allthe other non-high pressure wash pipes, i.e. wash pipes 20, 28, 31, 236,228, 232, 29 and 234, except for the nozzle arrangement. Therefore, washpipe 230 will be described in detail. Attached to pipe elbow 370 is aflexible hose suited for conducting fluid to wash pipe 230. The washpipe 230 is 20 feet long and starting three inches from plug 368 arequarter inch tapped holes, with each hole being twelve inches apart. Thequarter inch tapped holes are collinear with each other and are ontwelve-inch centers. Twenty-one single nozzles are threaded into thetapped holes with the nozzles directed perpendicular to wash pipe 230.Each nozzle 372, 374, 376, 378, 380, 382, 384, 386, 388, 390, 392, 394,396, 398, 400, 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418 arepreferably made of a non-corrosive material such as stainless steel orbrass.

In one preferred embodiment, the nozzles are a wide angle nozzle such asthose made by Spraying Systems, Inc., part number Fulljet 1/8GG-WM 2.8W.

Wash pipes 228 and 232 that are used for the rocker panel spray areidentical to wash pipe 230 except that nozzles having a spray angle of25° are used instead of full cone nozzles used on pipe 230. In onepreferred embodiment, wash pipes 228 and 232 each have 24 nozzles thatare each made by Spraying Systems, Inc., part number Fulljet 1/8MEG2502.

Wash pipe 236 that is used for the under body wash is identical to washpipe 230 except that both nozzles having a spray angle of 110° and 15°are used instead of the full cone nozzles used on wash pipe 230. In onepreferred embodiment, the four nozzles at the end of wash pipe 236 thatis adjacent to the third stage 304 of high pressure pipe 16, in otherwords the end of wash pipe 236 that is directed toward the front orwindshield portion of the vehicle to be washed, has nozzles having sprayangle of 15°. The remaining nozzles on wash pipe 236 each have a sprayangle of 110°. In one preferred embodiment, the nozzle having a sprayangle of 110° is made by Spraying Systems, Inc., part number WashjetH1/8VV-11004 and the nozzle having a spray angle of 25° also made bySpraying Systems, Inc., part number Sprayjet 1/8MEG2502.

Wash pipes 28 and 31 used for the foam presoak operation and wash pipes29 and 30 that are used for foam wax are identical to wash pipe 230except that wash pipes 28 and 31 are one foot shorter than wash pipe230. There are only 12 nozzles used on each pipe and the nozzles usedare different from the full cone nozzles used on wash pipe 230. In onepreferred embodiment, the nozzles used for wash pipes 28, 29, 30 and 31are a Parker Poly-Tite fitting having a quarter inch pipe thread and athree-eighths inch tube size with the screw on cap removed and the tubeopening crushed from a circular opening to a flattened oval opening.

As seen in FIG. 9 and 10, a supply apparatus 500 provides the properfluids and air to the proper wash pipes at the proper times so thatwashing apparatus 10 functions properly. A supply of cold water 504 anda supply of hot water 502 are provided to an inlet manifold 506. Waterfrom the cold water supply 504 is conducted along a two-inch pipe andpressurized to 40 pounds per square inch (psi). A solenoid controlledvalve 508 is capable of blocking the flow of hot water from the hotwater supply 502 to the inlet manifold 506. Similarly, cold water fromthe cold water supply 504 is provided to inlet manifold 506 at apressure of 40 psi and with solenoid controlled valve 510 capable ofblocking this supply of hot water to inlet manifold 506.

Both the cold water supply 504 and the hot water supply 502 are providedat pressures that are typical of city water supplies. A hot water heater(not shown) is used to heat water supplied by the city water supply.Each of the solenoid controlled valves 508 and 510 are controlled by aprogrammable logic controller (PLC) as will be discussed later. Both thecold water supply 504 and the hot water supply 502 are each capable ofproviding water having a flow rate of 40 gallons per minute.

An outlet manifold 512 is connected to inlet manifold 506 by pressureregulators 514, 516, 518 and 520. A pair of conduits 522 and 524 areconnected between outlet manifold 512 and a pair of high pressure pumps526 and 528, respectively. Each of the pressure regulating means 514,516, 518 and 520 are capable of providing a flow rate of ten gallons perminute at a pressure of 20 psi.

The use of the pressure regulating means in a parallel arrangementbetween the inlet manifold 506 and the outlet manifold 512, aspreviously described, effectively reduces the pressure in the outletmanifold 512 without reducing the flow rate. Outlet manifold 512 canthen provide water to each of the high pressure pumps 526 and 528 at 20pounds per square inch at a flow rate of 20 gallons per minute. Thispressure regulating scheme does not require large holding tanks that usea gravity feed to supply high pressure pumps with water at a sufficientflow rate and a reduced pressure. These holding tanks consume space andalso require heaters to prevent hot water in the tank from cooling whenthis water sits in the tank for a long period of time before use.

High pressure pumps 526 and 528 are powered by electric motors 530 and532, respectively. These electric motors 530 and 532 are preferablyrated at 10 horsepower and are controlled by the programmable logiccontroller 534. In one preferred embodiment, high pressure pumps 526 and528 are rated at 20 gallons per minute at 1,000 psi. Pressurized fluidfrom high pressure pumps 526 and 528 is conducted by high pressureconduit 534 and 536, respectively, to a high pressure manifold 538. Highpressure manifold 538 is preferably made of a non-corrosive materialsuch as brass or stainless steel. In one preferred embodiment, highpressure manifold 538 is made from several brass T fittings. Pressurebypass 540 maybe installed between high pressure pump 526 and highpressure conduit 534 to prevent excessive pressure on elementsdownstream from high pressure pump 526. Pressure bypass 540 divertswater from conduit 534 and instead routes this water to intake manifold506. Similarly, pressure regulator 542 may be installed between highpressure pump 528 and high pressure conduit 536 to divert water tointake manifold 506 when the pressure in conduit 536 becomes too great.Pressure gauges 544 and 546 are installed in high pressure conduits 534and 536, respectively, so that high pressure system elements can bemonitored.

High pressure manifold 538 has two input ports connected to highpressure conduits 534 and 536, and five output ports each connected tohigh pressure solenoids 548, 550, 552, 554 and 556. Each of these highpressure solenoids are controlled by the programmable logic controller.A conduit 558 connects high pressure solenoid 548 to a stage onemanifold 560, seen in FIG. 10. Similarly, conduits 562 and 564 connecthigh pressure solenoids 550 and 552, respectively, to stage two manifold566 and stage three manifold 568, respectively. Conduit 570 connectshigh pressure solenoid 554 to each of the rocker panel spray wash pipes228 and 232. Conduit 572 connects high pressure solenoid 556 to thesingle under body wash pipe 236.

Various chemicals are added to the fluid flowing in the wash pipes bychemical pumps 574, 576 and low pressure manifold 578 and low pressuresolenoids 580, 582, 584, 586, 588, 590, 592, 594 and injectors 596, 598,600, 602, 604, 606 and 608. Chemical pump 574 provides reverse osmosiswater, at low pressure, from a reverse osmosis water supply (not shown)through conduit 610 to low pressure manifold 578. The low pressuresolenoids are capable of blocking the flow of fluid from each of theoutlets of manifold 578, and each of these solenoids is under control ofthe programmable logic controller 534. A pressure gauge 612 is used tomonitor the fluid pressure in the low pressure manifold 578.

Injector 596 is connected to a pre-soak solution 614 so that as fluidpasses through injector 596 the pre-soak solution 614 is mixed therewithby way of a Venturi action. This mixture of pre-soak solution 614 isprovided to pre-soak manifold 616 by conduit 618. Similarly, injector598 mixes a pre-soak foam solution 620 that is carried by conduit 622 towash pipes 28 and 31. Injector 600 forms a mixture from a soap solution624 that is carried by conduit 626 to pre-soak manifold 616. Injector602 forms a mixture with a sealer wax solution 628 that is carried byconduit 630 to pre-soak manifold 616. Injector 604 forms a mixture witha foam wax solution 632 that is carried by conduit 634 to wash pipes 29and 30. Injector 606 forms a mixture with a tire cleaner solution 636that is carried by conduit 638 to wash pipes 230 and 235. Injector 608forms a solution with a rust inhibitor solution 640 that is carried byconduit 642 to wash pipe 236.

In one preferred embodiment, injectors 596 through 608 are adjustable sothat the mixture provided by the injector can be changed. Injectors suchas these are manufactured by Dema Engineering Co. of St. Louis Mo. underthe model number 204B.

Chemical pump 576 is connected to a spot free manifold 644 by conduit650. Low pressure solenoid 594 is capable of selectively blocking theflow of fluid through conduit 650. The low pressure solenoid 594 iscontrolled by the programmable logic controller 534.

In one preferred embodiment, the solutions that are used with injectors596, 598, 600, 602, 604, 606, and 608 are all manufactured by AndersonChemical Company of Litchfield, Minn. The presoak solution 614 isAnderson part number PAT4812 and is diluted in a range from 64:1 to128:1, and is applied at a rate of nine gallons per minute. The presoakfoam solution 620 is Anderson part number PAT4820 and is diluted 256:1,and is applied at a rate of three gallons per minute in an air lancedmixture. The soap solution 624 is Anderson part number PAT4830 and isdiluted in a range from 512:1 to 640:1, and applied at a rate of ninegallons per minute. The sealer wax solution 628 is Anderson part numberPAT4850 and is diluted in a range from 600:1 to 750:1, and applied at arate of nine gallons per minute. The foam wax solution 632 is Andersonpart number PAT4840 and is diluted 500:1 and applied at a rate of threegallons per minutes with air lansing. The tire cleaner solution 636 isAnderson part number PAT4800 and is diluted in a range of 5:1 to 15:1,and applied at a rate of 4.2 gallons per minute air lanced. The rustinhibitor solution 640 is Anderson part number PAT4860 and is diluted ina range of one to two ounces per car.

As seen in FIG. 11, the use of stage one manifold 560, stage twomanifold 566 and stage three manifold 568 allows chemicals from spotfree manifold 644 and pre-soak manifold 616, and air from air manifold652 to combine in the stage manifolds so that when the stage ispressurized the desired mixture is provided to high pressure pipes 16,18, 20, 22, 24 and 26. Stage one manifold 560, stage two manifold 566and stage three manifold 568 each have four inputs and one output, andare preferably manufactured from a non-corrosive material such asstainless steel. In one preferred embodiment each of the manifolds 566,568, 560, 616 are all made from brass T fittings. The use of staging orpressurizing only sections at a time of high pressure pipe 16 allowssmaller high pressure pumps 526 and 528 to be used to achieve the samenozzle pressure as if much larger pumps were used and all three stagesof high pressure pipe 16 were pressurized at the same time. Thus,pressurizing high pressure pipe 16 in stages allows either fewer orsmaller pumps to be used thereby reducing equipment costs.

An air compressor (not shown) provides air to mix with various solutionsfor providing a lanced mixture. The air supply is provided to each offour solenoids 654, 656, 658 and 660. Solenoid 660 is capable ofblocking the air supply to conduit 662 which is in turn connected towash pipes 230 and 234. Solenoid 658 is capable of blocking the airsupply to conduit 664 which is in turn connected to wash pipes 28 and31. Solenoid 656 is capable of blocking the air supply to conduit 666which is in turn connected to wash pipes 29 and 30. Solenoid 654 iscapable of blocking the air supply to conduit 668 which is in turnconnected to air manifold 652. Each of air solenoids 654, 656, 658 and660 are controlled by programmable logic controller 534.

Manifolds 667, 669 and 671 are provided so that pressurized air from theair solenoids can be combined with the cleaning solution in the conduit.Check valves 673A, 673B, 673C, 673D, 673E, 673F, 673G, 673H, 673I, 673J,673K, 673L, 673M, 673N, 673P, 673Q, 673R and 673S, are each capable ofallowing air or fluid to flow in only one direction. These check valuesprevent air or fluid from being forced backward toward the source of airor fluid.

An air supply provided by a compressor (not shown) is connected to anair cylinder solenoid 670. Air cylinder solenoid 670 providespressurized air for operating air cylinder 110. Air cylinder solenoid670 is connected to air cylinder 110 by a pair of flexible air conduits.Air cylinder solenoid 670 is connected to programmable logic controller534. Programmable logic controller 534 activates air cylinder solenoid670 to extend hydraulic ram 112 by pressurizing air line 672 which inturn causes plunger 112 to extend. As air cylinder 110 extends, washcarriage 14 activates sensor 116 which is connected to programmablelogic controller 534 thus initiating air control cylinder 670 to releasepressure on flexible air conduit 672 and pressurize flexible air conduit674 thereby driving plunger 112 into air cylinder 110. As air cylinder110 retracts, wash carriage 14 activates sensor 117 which is connectedto programmable logic controller 534, thus initiating an extensionoperation. In this manner, the programmable logic controller 534 caneither initiate wash carriage reciprocation, stop wash carriagereciprocation or also control the extend of wash carriage reciprocation.

The programmable logic controller 534 receives information from controlpanel 676 that is located in the pump control room. In addition PLC 534may also receive information from remote control panel 677 that islocated in the wash bay. It is through control panel 676 that the carwash operator can make wash selections and wash cycle adjustments to thewashing apparatus 10. The programmable logic controller 534 isprogrammed to run a series of subprograms or functions such as tirecleaner, pre-soak and pre-soak foam. Each of these functions, whenexecuted by the programmable logic controller, a series of signals areproduced by the programmable logic controller to control varioussolenoids, motors, pumps, etc., such that the washing apparatus 10performs the function. A complete wash is made up of a series offunctions or subprogram 706 rams. In one preferred embodiment, there areeight programmed functions or subprograms. These are: air purge, spotfree rinse, high pressure rinse, wax foam, wax, soap, pre-soak foam, andpre-soak. These various functions are combined to form eight differentwash cycles, one of which will be discussed in more detail later.

Seen in FIG. 12 are a series of operations that are representative ofhow the programmable logic controller 534 is programmed to interfacewith the control panel 676 and the remote control panel 677. When poweris applied to wash apparatus 10, and more particularly to programmablelogic controller 534, the controller begins at a start 700. Thecontroller next performs a decision function 702 to determine if theoperator has selected a remote panel that may be located in a wash bayor whether the operator intends to control the programmable logiccontroller from the main control panel which may be in an equipmentroom. If the remote panel is selected, then a read remote panel function704 is performed. In performing this function, the PLC may eitherperiodically read the position of the switches at the remote panel, or achanging switch position may send an interrupt signal to the PLC tosignal the PLC to read the remote panel. If the remote panel was notselected, the PLC performs a read the main control panel function 706.Reading the main control panel is accomplished in a method similar toreading the remote control panel.

The PLC next determines if the panel read in either function 704 orfunction 706 indicates that a time increment 708 is selected. If a timeincrement is selected, a function 710 increases a temporary register forthe sub-routine or function selected. The temporary register isincreased by a preprogrammed amount each time a time increment isselected. If a time increment is not selected, the PLC performs function712 which is to check to see if a time decrement function was selected.If a time decrement function was selected, the temporary registerrepresenting the sub-routine or function selected is decremented aselected amount of time. In this manner, the operator may increment ordecrement the amount of time a particular sub-routine or wash functionis run. This may be useful to adjust specific wash cycles to compensatefor environmental changes such as increased salt build-up, etc. Thesub-routine selected may be accomplished using a rotary switch on thecontrol panels to select from various sub-routines or wash functions.The time increment or decrement select may be accomplished using atwo-position momentary switch so that the operator can momentarilyselect increment or decrement.

The PLC next performs a function 716 that represents a check whether acomplete wash was selected at either the control panel or remote controlpanel. If a complete wash was selected, then the function represented by718 is performed. Function 718 represents the reading of temporaryregisters representing changes to cycle times for each of thesub-routines that are part of the wash that is selected. The changes incycle time for the various sub-routines are those performed in function710 or function 714. A function represented by 720 is then performedwhich is to run the complete wash that is selected.

If a complete wash was not selected in 716, or the selected wash was runin 720, then function 722 is performed. Function 722 checks to see if aparticular wash sub-routine or function was selected by either theremote panel or the main panel. If a particular wash sub-routine wasselected, then the cycle time changes that may have been performed infunction 710 or function 714 are read from the temporary register andthe particular sub-routine selected is then run represented by function726.

Functions 716 and 722 allow the operator to either run a complete washor just a particular sub-routine of that wash. In one preferredembodiment, the control panel has a rotary switch for selecting either acomplete wash or a specific sub-routine. A momentary switch is then usedto momentarily select either a wash cycle or an individual sub-routine.If either no particular wash function was selected in 722 or after aparticular wash sub-routine selected was run in 726, the PLC then goesto the start 700 to begin the cycle over again.

As seen in FIG. 13, a dryer 750 can optionally be attached for blowingwater off the vehicle thus preventing water spots. The dryer 750 ismountable to either end of washing apparatus 10 thereby accommodatingeither a drive-in and back-out operation or drive-through operation. Thedryer 750 will be described here as attached to the front of washingapparatus 10 which is used in a drive-in and back-out operation. Dryer750 is partially supported by square cornered arch 34 on washingapparatus 10. The dryer 750 is also supported by square cornered arch752 that includes vertical beam members 754 and 756, and horizontal beammember 758. Square cornered arch 752 and square cornered arch 34 areconnected by brace members 760 and 762. A dryer support brace 764 isattached between brace members 760 and 762, and is parallel tohorizontal beam member 758.

Each of these structural members of dryer 750 are preferably made of anon-corrosive material such as aluminum and fastened together using aconvention fastening means such as bolted together or welded together.The vertical beam members 754 and 756 are secured to floor 58 withL-shaped bracket 54 and a conventional fastening means such as bolts.

The dryer 750 further includes air directing structures 766, 768, 770and 772, and air plowers 774, 776, 778 and 780. Air directing structures766, 768 and 770 are rectangular box-like structures each having anopening for receiving air and a uniform slot for exiting air. Airdirecting structure 766 is attached to vertical beam member 756 suchthat an air escape slot is aligned vertically. Similarly, the airdirecting structure 768 is mounted to vertical beam member 754 such thatan air escape slot 784 is aligned vertically and faces the air escapeslot 782 of the air directing structure 766. Air directing structure 770is mounted to horizontal beam member 758 such that an air escape slot786 is aligned parallel with horizontal beam member 758 and with the airescape slot 784 facing in a direction downward towards floor 58. The airdirecting structure 772 extends from transverse brace member 48 out overwashing apparatus 10. The air directing structure 772 blows air on thevehicle while it is in position for washing so that drying can begineven before the vehicle is driven past air directing structures 766, 770and 768. Air directing structure 772 has a flexible portion, such asflexible duct work, that allows structure 772 to move with wash carriage14. The air directing structure 772 has an inverted V-shapedcross-section and has an air escape slot 786 extending parallel to bracemember 760 and faces downward toward floor 58.

Blowers 788, 790, 792 and 794 are provided for forcing air into the airdirecting structures 766, 768, 770 and 772 so that this air can bedirected toward the vehicle thereby blowing water droplets therefrom.Blower 788 is mounted to brace member 762 and is connected by an airconduit 796 to the input port of air directing structure 766. Similarly,blower 790 is mounted to brace member 760 and is connected by an airconduit 798 to the air inlet on air directing structure 768. Blower 792is mounted to air directing structure 772 and has an air conduit 800 fordirecting air to the air inlet of air directing structure 770. Blower794 is mounted to air directing structure 772 and is connected by an airconduit 802 to the air inlet of air directing structure 772.

In one preferred embodiment, blowers 788, 790, 792 and 794 are squirrelcage blowers and are powered by a 10 horsepower electric motor.

In operation, a series of lights flash illuminating square cornered arch34. An operator selects the desired wash cycle using control panel 676which in turn causes lights 246, 248, 252 and 254 to flash, therebyilluminating further the wash apparatus 10. As the vehicle is driventhrough square cornered arch 34, the sensor 116 indicates when thevehicle is in position beneath wash apparatus 10 and a message sign isilluminated indicating to the driver to stop the vehicle. A secondsensor 117 indicates if the vehicle is a short vehicle whereupon theback stage 304 of all six high pressure pipes 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26are disabled to conserve water.

Once the vehicle is in position within wash apparatus 10, theprogrammable logic controller (PLC) turns on the electric motor therebycausing the wash pipes to rotationally oscillate. The PLC 534 signalsthe air cylinder solenoid 670 to initiate repetitive cycles of extensionand retraction of plunger 112 into air cylinder 110. This operation ofair cylinder 110 causes the wash carriage 14 to reciprocate back andforth on support structure 12. The proximity switches 47 and 116 arealso enabled to indicate to the PLC when the direction of the washcarriage 14 should be changed. The PLC changes direction of the washcarriage by signaling the air cylinder solenoid 670 based on inputs fromsensor 47 and 116.

The PLC then executes the wash cycle selected using control panel 676.In one preferred embodiment, the supreme wash consists of the followingsequential operations or sub-routines: low pressure tire cleaner, lowpressure pre-soak, low pressure pre-soak foam, low pressure soap, highpressure under body wash, low pressure rust inhibitor, high pressurerocker panel, high pressure stage one hot water, high pressure stage twohot water, high pressure stage three hot water, low pressure foam wax,low pressure sealer wax, high pressure stage one cold water, highpressure stage two cold water, high pressure stage three cold water, andlow pressure spot free rinse. By way of example, the operation of thesupreme wash will next be described.

The tire cleaner operation is approximately a ten second operation. Theoperation begins with the programmable logic controller signaling lowpressure solenoid 590 to open allowing fluid from manifold 578 to mix ininjector 604 with the tire cleaner solution 636 which is then providedto pipes 230 and 234. In addition, chemical pump 574 is turned on toprovide low pressure fluid to low pressure manifold 578. After tenseconds, chemical pump 574 is shut off and low pressure solenoid 590 isclosed thereby preventing fluid from passing to injector 606.

Next, the pre-soak operation is performed by turning on chemical pump574, opening low pressure solenoid 580 and opening air solenoid 660. Asfluid passes through injector 596, the pre-soak solution 614 is mixedforming a mixture that is provided to pre-soak manifold 616. Pre-soakmanifold 616 then allows the mixture to flow to stage one manifold 560,stage manifold 566 and stage manifold 568. Air solenoid 654 provides airto air manifold 652 which in turn provides air to stage one manifold560, stage two manifold 566 and stage manifold 568. The air lancedmixture in each of the stage manifolds is then provided to thecorresponding stage of each of the six high pressure pipessimultaneously. In this manner, the high pressure pipes 16, 18, 20, 22,24 and 26 are used for low pressure operations. After approximately tenseconds, solenoid 580 is closed along with air solenoid 654 and chemicalpump 574 is turned off. The pre-soak foam operation is then performed byopening low pressure solenoid 582, opening air solenoid 656 and turningon chemical pump 574. A mixture of water from chemical pump 574,pre-soak foam solution 620 and air are provided to pipes 28 and 31.After approximately ten seconds, solenoid 582 is closed as is solenoid656, and chemical pump 574 is shut off.

The soap sequence is then started by opening solenoid 584, opening airsolenoid 654 and turning on chemical pump 574. Similar to the pre-soakoperation, the soap operation provides air, water and the soap solution624 to each of the high pressure manifolds, stage one manifold 560,stage manifold 566 and stage three manifold 568. An aerated or lancedsoap and water solution is then provided to each of the three stages ofthe high pressure pipe simultaneously and is forced through the nozzlesonto the surface of the vehicle being washed. After approximately tenseconds, solenoid 584 as Well as solenoid 654 are closed and chemicalpump 574 is shut down.

The high pressure under body wash is initiated by opening solenoid valve510 and high pressure solenoid 556 and turning on high pressure pumpmotors 530 and 532. High pressure hot water is supplied to pipe 236 thatis sprayed on the under part of the vehicle. After approximately tenseconds, high pressure pump motors 530 and 532 are shut off andsolenoids 510 as well 556 are blocked.

The rust inhibitor operation is initiated by opening solenoid 592 andturning on chemical pump 574. The rust inhibitor solution 646 and waterare provided to pipe 236 and are directed toward the under side of thevehicle. After approximately ten seconds, low pressure solenoid 592 isblocked and chemical pump 574 is shut off.

The high pressure rocker panel operation is initiated by turning on highpressure pump motors 530 and 532, and opening cold water solenoid 510 aswell as opening high pressure solenoid 554. Cold water at high pressureis provided to pipes 228 and 232 where it is directed by a series ofnozzles toward the rocker panels on either side of the vehicle. Afterapproximately ten seconds, solenoid 510 as well as high pressuresolenoid 554 are blocked or closed, and high pressure pump motors 530and 532 are shut off.

The high pressure stage one operation is initiated by turning on highpressure pump motors 530 and 532, opening high pressure solenoid 548 aswell as hot water solenoid 508. Hot water under high pressure isprovided to stage one manifold 560 which is in turn provided to each ofthe six first stages of high pressure pipes 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26.After approximately ten seconds, high pressure pumps 530 and 532 areshut off, and hot water solenoid 508 as well as high pressure solenoid548 are blocked.

A high pressure stage two operation is then initiated similar to thehigh pressure stage one operation except that high pressure solenoid 550is opened instead of high pressure solenoid 548. The stage two portionof high pressure pipes 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 are pressurized forapproximately ten seconds. At the end of the high pressure stage twooperation, solenoid 550 is closed as well as solenoid 508, and highpressure pump motors 530 and 532 are shut off.

The high pressure stage three operation is performed in a manner similarto both the high pressure stage one operation and the high pressurestage two operation except that high pressure solenoid 552 is opened toprovide hot water under pressure to stage three manifold 568. Hot wateris conducted to each of the six stage three sections of high pressurepipes 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 and conducted to high pressure nozzlestoward the vehicle to be washed. After approximately ten seconds, highpressure pump motors 530 and 532 are shut down and solenoid 508 as wellas solenoid 552 are closed.

The foam wax operation is initiated by opening low pressure solenoid 588as well as air solenoid 656 and turning on chemical pump 574. The foamwax solution 632 and a water mixture are combined with air forming afoam that is provided to pipes 29 and 30. The foam wax is dispersedthrough nozzles on pipes 29 and 30 toward the vehicle. Afterapproximately ten seconds, low pressure solenoid 588 and air solenoid656 are blocked, and chemical pump 574 is shut off.

The sealer wax operation is initiated by opening low pressure solenoid586 as well as air solenoid 654 and turning on chemical pump 574. Thesealer wax solution 628 is provided to pre-soak manifold 616 where it isdistributed to all three stages of each of the six high pressure pipes16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 where it is distributed by the high pressurenozzles over the vehicle. After approximately ten seconds, chemical pump574 is shut off along with low pressure solenoid 586 as well as airsolenoid 654.

The next three operations are the high pressure stage one operation,high pressure stage two operation and high pressure stage threeoperation. These three operations are identical to the previous highpressure stage one, two and three operations except that the presentoperations are performed with cold water instead of hot water.Therefore, the only difference in operation is that cold water solenoid510 is opened and closed instead of hot water solenoid 508 as in thepreviously described operations.

The spot free rinse operation is initiated by opening low pressuresolenoid 594, as well as air solenoid 654 and turning on chemical pump576. Water is provided from chemical pump 576 to spot free manifold 644where upon it is distributed to stage one manifold 560, stage twomanifold 566 and stage manifold 568. This low pressure water is thenprovided to all three stages of each of the six high pressure spraypipes 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 and forced through nozzles toward theVehicle. After approximately ten seconds, chemical pump 576 is shut offand solenoid 654 as well as solenoid 594 are blocked.

Once the wash cycle is completed, air solenoid 654 is opened to purgesystem of all chemicals and liquids remaining in the pipes. The purgelasts approximately one minute.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing apparatus suited for use in washingoutside surfaces of vehicles, the apparatus comprising:a support means;a first conduit means capable of conducting a fluid therealong andelongated along a longitudinal axis for a selected length, said firstconduit means being mounted on said support means to permit bothselected displacements thereof along said longitudinal axis and selectedrotations thereof about said longitudinal axis; a plurality of nozzlesmounted on said first conduit means such that a fluid conducted throughsaid first conduit means can be conducted through at least one of saidnozzles; a first drive means capable of selectively reciprocating saidfirst conduit means along said longitudinal axis between selectedpositions separated by a length less than said first conduit meanslength; and a second drive means capable of selectively causing saidfirst conduit means to undergo selected reciprocal angular displacementsabout said longitudinal axis whereby said first conduit means can bedisplaced both about and along said longitudinal axis such that a saidfluid forced through said nozzle will be directed through a selectedportion of a selected plane through which such a fluid passes.
 2. Thewashing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first conduit means having atubular shape and being supported by each of a pair of radial bearings.3. The washing apparatus of claim 2 wherein said support means includesa cylindrical member having each of a pair of linear block bearingswhich travel thereon, said block bearings being attached to said firstconduit means thereby allowing said first conduit means to move alongsaid longitudinal axis.
 4. The washing apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a plurality of said first conduit means, each of saidplurality being mounted on said support means.
 5. The washing apparatusof claim 4 wherein said longitudinal axis of each of said plurality offirst conduit means being substantially parallel with said nozzles beingmounted closer together on said first conduit means towards either endthan towards the middle of said first conduit means.
 6. The washingapparatus of claim 1 wherein said first drive means is an air cylinder.7. The washing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support meansincludes:a first support means which is stationary; and a second supportmeans being movably mounted on said first support means and capable ofselected displacements thereof along said longitudinal axis, said firstconduit means being movably mounted on said second support means andcapable of selected rotations thereof about said longitudinal axis. 8.The washing apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a plurality of saidfirst conduit means , each of said plurality of first conduit meansbeing mounted on said second support means.
 9. The washing apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said second drive means is an electric motor.
 10. Thewashing apparatus of claim 1 further including:a sensor means capable ofproducing a signal; a valve means for selectively blocking said fluidfrom selected portions of said first conduit means; and a control meansconnected to said sensor means as well as said valve means, said controlmeans capable of selectively controlling said valve means based on saidsignal change from said sensor means.
 11. The washing apparatus of claim10 wherein said valve means is a solenoid controlled valve.
 12. Thewashing apparatus of claim 10 wherein said sensor means includes:asource means for emitting light; a receiver means capable of receivinglight from said source means, said receiver means producing an outputsignal based on light received from said source means.
 13. The washingapparatus of claim 1 further including a drying means mounted on saidsupport means.
 14. The washing apparatus of claim 1 further including:aplurality of valve means suited for connection to each of a plurality offluid sources as well as said first conduit means for selectivelyblocking fluid flow to said first conduit means; and a control meansconnected to each of said plurality of valve means for selectivelycontrolling fluid flow to said first conduit means whereby fluid flowfrom each of said plurality of fluid sources to said conduit means iscapable of being blocked for selected time intervals in selectedsequences.
 15. The washing apparatus of claim 14 wherein said controlmeans is capable of selectively blocking fluid flow to said firstconduit means from each of said plurality of fluid sources in apreselected sequence and with said control means selectively controllingair flow to said first conduit means from a source at pressurized air ina second preselected sequence.
 16. The washing apparatus of claim 14wherein said control means further includes an input means for selectingone of a plurality of selected sequences.
 17. The washing apparatus ofclaim 14 wherein said control means further includes an input means forincrementing as well as decrementing selected time intervals of selectedsequences.
 18. The washing apparatus of claim 14 wherein said controlmeans further includes an input means for selecting a selected portionof selected sequences.
 19. The washing apparatus of claim 14 furtherincluding:a first manifold suited for connection to a fluid source; asecond manifold; a plurality of pressure regulation means each of saidplurality connected between said first manifold and said secondmanifold; and a pumping means connected to said second manifold and saidfirst conduit means for forcing fluid from said fluid source through atleast one of said nozzles.
 20. The washing apparatus of claim 1 furtherincluding:a pump means suited for connection to a first fluid source forproviding pressurized fluid; and a venturi means connected to said pumpmeans for receiving pressurized fluid, said venturi means suited forconnection to a second fluid source wherein pressurized fluid from saidfirst fluid source passing through said venturi means is capable ofdrawing fluid from said second fluid source to combine therewith, amixture of fluids from said first fluid source and said second fluidsource are provided to said first conduit means to be conducted throughat least one of said nozzles.
 21. A method suited for washing outsidesurfaces of vehicles, the method comprising the steps of:providing asupport means; providing a first conduit means elongated along alongitudinal axis for a selected length, said first conduit means beingmounted on said support means; providing a plurality of nozzles mountedon said first conduit means; moving selectively said first conduit meansin a reciprocating manner along said longitudinal axis between selectedpositions separated by a length less than said first conduit meanslength; moving selectively said first conduit means through an angulardisplacement about said longitudinal axis; and conducting selectively afluid through said first conduit means through at least one of saidnozzles whereby said fluid forced through said nozzle will be directedthrough a selected portion of a selected plane.